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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

" Preliminary testing of the carcasses of a crested goshawk and an Oriental magpie robin found in Mong Kok and Cheung Chau have returned a positive result for the H5 avian influenza virus, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 28), adding that further confirmatory tests are being conducted.

The crested goshawk was found and collected at Diocesan Boys' School, 131 Argyle Street, Mong Kok on February 24. The crested goshawk is an uncommon resident bird in Hong Kong.

The Oriental magpie robin was found and collected at the rooftop, 3/F, 76 Hing Lung Back Street, Cheung Chau on February 25. The Oriental magpie robin is a common resident bird in Hong Kong.

The spokesman said cleansing and disinfection have been stepped up at the venues, adding that there are no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the dead birds were found.

In view of the cases, the AFCD has phoned poultry farmers to remind them to strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian influenza. Letters have been issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that proper precautions must be taken."